Sawmill Peak Lookout staffed

Cal Fire has announced that the Sawmill Peak Lookout was staffed beginning on Aug. 9 and will remain staffed through the 2014 fire season thanks to partnerships with Bare on the Ridge, Friends of Sawmill Peak, Butte County Fire Safe Council, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department.

Bare on the Ridge continues to be the sole fund raiser for the Lookout, with Butte County Fire Safe Council, a community non-profit organization, picking up the fiscal sponsorship of the group in April.

"The partnership with Bare on the Ridge enhances the fire safe council's mission to provide fire safety education and mitigation throughout Butte County" said Darrel Wilson, chairman of the council.

Les Olinger, organizer of Friends of Sawmill Peak, was recently recognized at the Butte County Fire Safe Council meeting and was nominated for an award for his years of outstanding service in support of the local lookout.

PG&E is also providing funding for the 2014 fire season of Sawmill Peak Lookout. "We've had a long working relationship with PG&E and this funding demonstrates their commitment to fire safety in our community" said Calli-Jane DeAnda, the fire council's executive director.

CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department will continue to provide staffing and maintenance of the lookout.

"This project is a prime example of what a community can do to help provide vital services," said Greg McFadden, Unit Chief for CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire. "We look forward to a long partnership with everyone involved."